Identifying Gaps in the Map: The Purpose & Problem Statement

The Purpose and Problem Statement (PPS) focuses the TEQ Sheets.  It asks you to connect these sheets to the specific assignment. Thus, it forces you to review the purpose of the class and the relation of the paper to the purpose of the class.

The Purpose and Problem Statement is also the place where you directly ask about the gaps in the map. Thus it forces you to name the problems in the existing map that you can fill with your own insight. It is NOT about specific readings. It is about the topic of the assignment.

Separate your PPS into two sections:

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The Purpose

• The first section of the "Purpose" reviews the the strategies and tactics of the course.

• The second section of the "Purpose explains how the specific paper assignment is connected to the the purpose of the course.  Often, the writer asks basic questions about the expectations for the task:  its level of formality; required documentation; formats.  The writer idntifies key tasks that s/he will have to understand to produce a document that meets the expectations of its audience. Whether at school or work, you need to do the assignment. Reviewing the purpose of the writing helps you address the assignment..

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The Problem

The Problem paragraphs ask the specific questions the student has about the topic. The questions should recognize any of the following:

• An error in the existing discourse

• A contradiction in a specific source, or a contradiction between several sources

• An important aspect of the topic that hasn’t been discussed

• Evidence that would improve the understanding of the issue.

These questions identify the opportunities for improving the discourse or providing an insight into its nature. This section often builds upon the queries from the TEQ sheets. However, the questions are much more developed. These statements often are half-way between questions and answers. The questions contain terms, phrases, ideas, sources and tactics for dealing with the assignment. Note that you remain open to ideas. You are willing to leave some questions unanswered, but you are clearly pointing toward what is important to the way you will re-draw the map.

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For detailsed instructions on how to create your Purpose & Problem Statement, click HERE. Note that it includes a complete example.